NEW BERN - United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court
yesterday Chief United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced WILLIAM JOSEPH
INMAN, 39, Wilmington, North Carolina, to 241 months’ imprisonment.

A Federal Grand Jury returned a Criminal Indictment on October
22, 2008. On April 29, 2009, a federal jury convicted INMAN of
unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that on January 18, 2008,
the Wilmington Police Department received information that INMAN
was running an illegal gambling business out of Two Trees Pools and
Spa, his pool cleaning and supply business in Wilmington, North
Carolina. INMAN reportedly would sit at a desk directly in the
path of the front door of his business and was known to keep a
large loaded handgun on his person at all times.

A search warrant was obtained and executed at Inman’s
business. As the officers were entering the premises one officer
saw INMAN pull out a .40 caliber handgun. In an effort to protect
the search team, the officer fired two shots, one of which hit
INMAN in the shoulder and the other passed over his shoulder.

Officers found a Hi-Point .40 caliber, semi-automatic Model
JCP and a magazine with ten rounds of ammunition at INMAN’s feet.
INMAN was administered first aid by EMS at the scene and then taken
to the hospital. Approximately $4,700.00 in U. S. Currency and four
video poker machines were found.

Mr. Holding commented on the verdict, “The facts of this case
are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by armed felons in our
communities. It is fortunate that the brave officers who
investigated this case were not injured when the defendant pulled
the handgun on them. Justice has been served and we are pleased
with the outcome of the sentencing.”

Investigation of the case was conducted by the Wilmington
Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney J. Gaston B. Williams served as
prosecutor for the government.